Sunday, December 30, 2012

While in Pennsylvania for Christmas, we went to a flea market and I found a beautiful quilt. I really couldn't believe the condition it was in and I love the design.

It is all hand quilted and the fabrics are a calico (30s) type print and white. It did have a stain on it, but when I got it home, I washed it and the stain came out... YAY!!

Pavi came to check it out. The always present quilt inspector.

Here is the block and a close up of the fabric and quilting. Does anyone know the name of this block?? I am not sure, but I can totally see this made up in modern fabrics. In fact, I think I may just do that!

I think Pavi really approved, he is more than comfortable.

But what I couldn't really believe was the pristine condition it was in, unfortunately the man selling it didn't know the year it was made or who made it. He said he had gotten it from an estate sale. No label on it either.

The other great thing was that I got it for a song and a dance!! I couldn't believe the price.

Right now it is living on my railing in my foyer. I really like how it looks there.

If you have any clue as to the name of the block or possible age of this quilt, I would really appreciate any input.

Friday, December 21, 2012

Well it is sort of quilted... A friend of mine had told me about this neat site called GelaSkins. It is basically a site where you can either design your own or use their artwork and get "Skins" for your techie gear... cell phones, laptops, iPods, and tablets.

I decided to give it a try. I uploaded a photo of my Stepping Stones quilt and...

Voila!! I have a "skin"! Basically it is a 3M product, they are removable vinyl skins to protect your device without adding any bulk or weight. But the best thing is they make it really pretty and very easily removable!

Doesn't it look cool? I love it and now I have MY quilt on MY computer... there is definitely no denying this one belongs to me.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Yesterday, my friend Wanda had posted this post on her blog. She and I have very similar tastes in fabric. We both love Kaffe, batiks, and African fabrics. I have been following Wanda's blog since I started blogging in 2007. She has some of the best color and design sense that I have ever seen. Wanda continually amazes me.

Anyway, when I saw her blog post yesterday, I just had to play.

Since I had been playing with my African fabrics about a month ago they were still sitting near my sewing machine and were at the ready for playing.

Using Wanda's technique for "crooked" cobblestones, I set out pairing fabrics and sewing.

I was able to complete these in the course of a little over an hour. I think that I will make some more tomorrow and then square them up to join them for a mini wall hanging.

One of the things that I love about the African fabrics is the color and design. I just LOVE them!! Stay tuned to see how this one grows.

If you would like to try your hand with some African fabrics, I just added new ones to the shop and they are only $7.50 per yard. You can find them by clicking here.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

As many of you know from my FaceBook post and from many other bloggers and those on FaceBook, there is a pillowcase drive taking place for the kids at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT

These are the fabrics that I have selected for some boy and girl pillowcases. I will be making mine today and sending them off. My hopes is that they will bring some comfort to those children who have survived this horrific event.

If you would like to help out here is the information, and they are due by December 27, 2012:

Becky at Quilter's Corner would like to get 600 pillowcases by the above date, you can mail them to...

I worked on my friend Justine's Kaffe quilt that she began working on eons ago and then had given to me eons ago... finally we both have it done!!

Don't you just love this quilt? I was so glad it was done for her, that as soon as I had it off the machine, I got in the car and hand delivered it to her and she loved it. Now she has to bind it... soon. It is a biggie too 118" X 128". Certainly will keep her warm!!

Sunday, December 16, 2012

As many of you have heard by now, the news in CT on Friday was totally devastating. I spent much of the day unable to focus and cried countless times. The local news here in CT has been covering the story 24/7, so when I awoke on Saturday I turned it on again. By midday, I had to turn it off. I am heartbroken over the loss of life.

I needed a distraction so I took to sewing...

I went into my studio and just began.

Then my little helper, Mr. Pavi, came for a visit and had to check my stitches to make sure that I was doing it correctly.

Hmmm... Looks good, maybe I will just sit on it for now.

Well, I know it is not yet a quilt, but looks darn close... so I think I will lay on it for awhile. Of course, he was further hindering my progress. But I totally enjoyed his company.

He then decided to move to the back of the machine, which was definitely easier for me as far as sewing was concerned.

Here he is totally bored to tears and utterly relaxed!! Ahhhh... the life of a cat.

Back to sewing and inspecting what I was doing... seems okay, so he thinks...

he will now lay down again.

All in all it was an enjoyable day sewing and it really did take my mind off the happenings of the day before. I enjoyed my kitty's company and he stayed with me all day. He must have known that I was feeling blue.

Please keep sending your prayers and thoughts for the families in Newtown.

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Yay!! Today is my day to review my dear friend Victoria's new book!! First I must say that I truly LOVE this book and for many reasons... Just look at this cover... this just sucks you in...

But having known Victoria and her style and her drive to create, this book not only inspires others, but will having you sifting through your scraps immediately.

I was honored to have quilted many of the quilts in this book too! So I was able to see them up close and personal.

Here we are at Quilt Market for the launch of her book... Yahoo! She is personally autographing my copy. I have read it and love it!

I especially love the beginning where she speaks of her grandmother. There is always someone in our lives that touches us in a special way and this is a great story of Victoria and her grandmother.

The book showcases quilts from Victoria and her "made fabric". It is a great improvisational way to make a quilt and use up your scraps. The best part are the results that it yields.

You will find many quilts that incorporate traditional designs with made fabric. This quilt is a stunning example, don't you think?

Two of my favorite colors to work with are pink and green. A couple of years ago, Victoria had a mini retreat in her loft. We all brought along scrap fabric and put them in a HUGE pile. Throughout the 3 days we all picked through and made many different projects.

Here is mine...

The focal point is Mary. This is a piece of fabric that Victoria had made on Spoonflower and had given to each of us to use. I decided to make a mini quilt with it as the focal point using mostly pinks and greens.

Then I proceeded to create "made fabric" and border Mary with this fabric.

I encourage you all to give it a try. Break out the scraps... just dump them on the floor like a pile of fall leaves and JUMP right in!!!

This book will give you the chance to spread your wings and fly with your scraps! If you would like to purchase a copy you can get one in my shop here, all the proceeds will go to Victoria's charity City Harvest.

But you can enter to win a copy of 15 Minutes of Play by leaving a comment on this post and tell me what color you use most in your quilting projects.

All U.S. entries are eligible for a hard copy of the book and International entries will be eligible for an electronic copy.

The giveaway will remain open through December 11, 2012.

Don't forget to go to all the other blogs on the tour to enter as well.

But to enter the giveaway, you must go visit my talented friend Alyssa at Pile O' Fabric. She has a terrific blog. Tons of inspiration and tutorials too!! Tell her that I said hello when you drop by...